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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 









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THE GRASS FAMILY. 



THE GRASS FAiVllLY 



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AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 

OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, AT THEIR ANNUAL FAIR 

AT RANDOLPH, N. Y'., SEPTEMBER U, 1877. 

/ 



BY 

PROF. J. T.' EDWARDS, D. D. 



# 
X 







1^77'BLIS If-ET) Sr THB SOCIBTT. 



RANDOLPH. N. Y. 

F. J.& D. D. Lockwooil, Printers, 

Weekly Register. 

1877. 



Ei: 


it.T.- 


il necording 


to Act of 


C'cnoress. 


In the 


year 


18; 


'7. 


by 






JAMES T. 


E D W A B D S , 










In 


the 


Office of the 


Librarian 


of Cono-ress, 


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THE GRASS FAMILY. 



Mil. President, Gentlemen of the Society, Ladies and Gen- 
tlemen: 

Bountiful crops li;ive again rewarded the labor of the hus1)andnian. 
We have never had more abundant harvests. In our own immediate 
vicinity, all these lovely tlelds and meadows have yielded tlieir richest 
increase. The fragrant clover, the sweet-scented vernal-grass, the 
purple-spiked timothy, the rosy-tipped red top, the graceful panicles 
of oats, the wheat, barley, corn and millet, have clothed the earth 
with verdure and filled the air with sweetest odors; while, in spite of 
bugs and grubs, tiie ground is fairly bursting with goodly tubers, 
aud every hedge and '"good-for-nothing place" has blessed the boys 
and girls with berries by the bushel. 

Our orchards are bending with luscious fruit, and our gardens have 
long i)aid tribute to the well-spread table. It is delightful to gather 
here to-day and celebrate these peaceful triumjiiis of industry; not 
forgetting Iliin '•whose goodness crowns the circling vear." 



2. 

In beautiful and appropriate words, Wliittier has sung of these har- 
vest days. The notes of his lyre are always sweetest when wakened 
by his sympathy with human trials and successes: 

The Persian's flowery gifts, the shrine 
Of fruitful Ceres, charm no more; 
Tlie woven wreath of oak and pine 
Are dust along the Isthmian shore. 

But beauty hath its homage still. 
And Nature holds us still in debt; 
And woman's grace and household skill. 
And manhood's toil are honored yet. 

O, favors, every year made new ! 
O, gifts, with rain and sunshine sent! 
The bounty overruns our due — 
The fullness shames our discontent. 

We shut our eyes, the floAvers bloom on; 
We murmur, but the corn-eai-s fill; 
We choose the shadow, but tlie sun 
That casts it, shines behind us still. 

And we, to-daj% amidst our flowei's 
And fruits, have come to own again 
Tlie blessings of the summer hours, 
The early and the latter rain; 

To see our Father's hand once more 

Eeverse for us the plenteous liorn 

Of autumn, tilled and running o'er 

With fruits, and flowers, and golden corn ! 

Once more the liberal year laughs out 

O'er richer stores than gems or gold; ' 

Once more, with harvest song and shout, 

Is Nature's bloodless triumph told. 

There is a peculiar fitness and value in these September celebra- 
tions, now common to the whole country, wliere the first and most 
important occupation of man seeks the true and beneficent results of 

CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT. 

No other assemblies surpass in interest and importance the annual 
Fairs of our Agricultural Societies. From their rise there dates a 
new era in human improvement. 

One hundred years ago there was not a society of this kind on the 
continent; now two thousand are enumerated. The Pliiladelphia 
"Society for the Improvement of Agriculture" was established in 
1784, being the first in this country. South Carolina founded one the 
same year, and that was next followed, in 1791, by a similar associa- 
tion in New York, wliich still exists. Statesmanship now deems it wise 
economy to publish, by State enactment, tlie proceedings of most of 
our State societies; and many county and district fairs contribute 
largely to our stock of useful information, and excite a wholesome 
rivalry among the farmers of the region in which they are lield. 



This union of liantls and heads has created a complete revolution 
in the art of farming. From the mental activity thus fostered, have 
sprung numerous inventions to mitigate the labors of man, and give 
him more complete dominion over the soil. 

In his Political Economy, published about forty years ago, and 
which is still used in our colleges, Dr. Wayland says; "Agriculture 
is the only industry which, thus far, has failed to profit to anj"^ extent 
from invention or labor-saving machinery." If the work were revised 
how would tliat passage now read ? When, for instance, a California 
farmer tells us tluit from his own farm forty thousand bushels of 
grain were harvested, thrashed, cleaned and stored in granaries in 
thirty-six days, by twenty-two men. 

The farmer in this country does not stand alone, but belongs to 
a co-operative fraternity of more than six millions of men. This 
comprises about one-half of the persons engaged in all classes of oc- 
cupations. 

In 1870 there were two million six hundred and sixty thousand 

farms in the United States. It has been well said, that if the labors 
of the farmer should cease for a single year, the human race would 
perish, while the hum of all other industries might be hushed, 
and humanity still survive. 

Thus we call the roll of this noble army of toilers, that j^ou may 
gather courage from your numbers, especially when you remember 
that there is now, as never before, for the advancement of your pro- 
fession throughout the land, a grand iniion of 

THOUGHT AND TOIL. 

That was a great step forward when men began to think of new 
and better Avaj's, instead of blindly stumbling forward in the old 
rough ones. Think of our insisting on that long-observed custom, 
that a man should not hold a plow until he could make one! The far- 
mer has ceased to be a machine; lie reads, observes, compares and 
reasons. 

In 1870 there were ninety-three agricultural and horticultural pa- 
pers and periodicals, with an aggregate annual issue of twenty-one 
million five hundred thousand copies. In short, the farmer now does 
wliat the artist does, "mixes brains" with what he digs. Thought has 
sifted the soils, introduced the crucible and scales, weiglied the ele- 
ments of earth, air, plant and animal, studied their adaptations, sug- 
gested the rotation of crops and tlie introduction of feltilizers. A 
hundred years ago. Lord Karnes thu-5 describes farming in Scotland. 
He says: "Our draught horses are miserable creatures, without 
strengtb or mettle; our oxen scarcely able to support tlieir weight, 
and two going in a plow, led on b}' two horses; the ridges in the fields 
higli and broad, in fact enormous masses of accumulated earth tliat 
could not admit of cross plowing or cultivation; shallow plowing uni- 
versal; ribbing, by which half the land was left untilled, a general 



4. 

practice over the gi'eater part of Scotland; a continnal struofgie be- 
tween corn and weeds for supremacy; the roller almost unknown; no 
harrowing before sowing, and the seed sown into rough and uneven 
ground where half of it was buried; no branch of husbandrj^ less 
understood than manure; potatoes generallj^ planted in lazy beds; 
swine but little attended to; and very few farms in Scotland pro- 
portioned to the skill and ability of the tenant." A sad picture, but 
often witnessed in those early times, when half the stock would per- 
ish in the winter, and the wretched peasantrj- eked out a miserable 
existence. But the Scotchmen began to think and study better meth- 
ods, and mark the results; their rugged soil "buds and blossoms like 
the rose.'* The late lamented John Stanton Gould says, that on the 
beautiful meadows of Edinburg, they have produced in one year, in 
six consecutive cuttings, twenty tons of excellent hay from a singU; 
acre. This would seem to indicate the possibility of 

PERENNIAL FERTILITY. 

Since Chemistry has ascertained what vegetation demands for its 
growth, and points out the sources for supply, it only remains for 
man to furnish himself with these fertilizers, and prolong indefinitely 
the richness of the soil. 

Is it not surprising that more progress has been made in the physi- 
ological and chemical knowledge pertaining to this subject, during 
the last thirty years, than in all time before? Doubtless there is yet 
great waste. Victor Hugo declared some years ago, that the man 
who would invent some method of saving the refuse of our cities, 
which now largely flows into the sea, would be a benefactor of our 
race. That problem will sometime be solved. In the meantime \vc 
have learnecTthis much, that the fertility of land need not be exhaust- 
ed; for England now supplies a population of twenty millions, from 
the same soil, that, at the beginning of tlie century scantily sustained 
seven millions; and our oldest states are now more productive than 
they were fifty years ago. 

I have alluded to these more general topics by way of showing 
how vast are the interests committed to the hands of the husbandman, 
and what benetits arise from an intelligent and studious consideration 
of the best means for cultivating the soil. The study of agriculture 
is indeed 

THE GREATEST OF THE SCIENCES, 

for it includes :ill the natural sciences and some other l)ranches be- 
sides. Prof. Samuel T. Johnson has remarked: "It includes some- 
thing from nearly every department of human learning. The nat- 
ural sciences, geology, meteorology, mechanics, physics, chemistiy, 
botany, zoology and physiology are most intimately related to it. 

It is not less concerned with social and political economy, than 
with commerce and law." 



Nowhere are the results of scicutilic study and carelul culture 
more evident and interestino; than in the present cultivation of tliat 
most imjiortant branch of the vejjetable kingdom called 

THE GRASSES. 

We wonder liow people lived in the early times when we learn, 
that, prior to the landing of the Pilgrims, our Englisli ancestors had 
no potatoes, corn, turnips, squashes, carrots nor cabbages; and are 
still more surprised to find that, up to that date, there had been no 
sowing of grass seed, nor artificial proi)agation of what are termed 
"forage plants." For ages, on the fertile meadows, nature had been 
scattering, with prodigal hand, the seeds of the grasses, and the hills 
and valleys of England were covered with a soft, thick natural 
vei'dure. In this country it was different. Our hardy ancestors found 
no velvety greensward; if the}' possessed it, it must be through culti- 
vation; hence, grasses were sown in the new world before tliey were 
in the old. 

King George's soldiers returned, after the close of theEevolution, 
bearing in their hands the seeds of the timothy, and in their heads 
the inetho Is of improved grass-culture which they liad here observed. 
It were a question whether tliis alone lias not, in the aggregate, paid 
England full price for her lost colonies. War is a great disseminator 
of seeds as well as principles. The defeated crusaders came back 
from Constantinople bearing with them, from the East, the germs of 
knowledge and art, wliich, implanted in Europe, sprang up to adorn 
it with tlie products of a higher civilization. 

DISTRIBUTION OF THE GRASSES. 

I suppose the United States Census Report is not usually regard- 
ed as very entertaining literature; but I have been greatly interested 
in the statements of that seldom-read and much-abused document. 
Its figures are more eloquent than a poem. Xo Cattaraugus man can 
read, without delight, tliat his own county now produces annually, 
four million pounds of butter and cheese, and that on her grassy slopes 
grow two hundred thousand tons of hay. If not literally flowing 
with milk and honey, tliere were sold of the former, in 1870, seven 
million five liundred and fifty-eight thousand nine hundred and sev- 
enty-eight gallons, and of the latter eleven thousand six liundred and 
sixty-eight lbs. 

Among the most valuable features of the report is the collec- 
tion of 

CROi' MAPS, 

which, by a system of shading, show at a glance tlie relative jiroduc- 
tion of different parts of the country. These maps reveal the sources 
of our wealth and the adaptation of our soil to a particular crop, as 
compared with that of other localities. For example; take the yel- 
low map, representing the dairying sections of the United States. 



6. 

Four shades of color are given, the deepest tint niarkhig those regions 
where the dairy products are over fortj^ dollars per-capita. You will 
be interested to know what sections are covered by this golden lustre. 
They are all in New York, with the exception of a few square miles 
in California, half a county in Ohio, and the same amount of territory 
in Vermont: The favored spots in this State are Orange County; a 
stretch of land through the centre, extending from the junction of 
the Pennsylvania line with the Susquehanna River, to the Thousand 
Islands, thence down the St. Lawrence to the Canada line, thence 
back to the place of starting, embracing half a dozen counties; and 
lastly, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, comprising in all, per- 
haps, one-fifth of the State; a pleasant showing, yet how inferior to 
that in the good time coming, when each acre of the now uncultivat- 
ed thousands in the valley of tlie Conewango, shall yield, as I have 
no doubt it will, five tons of waving timotliy and cock's-foot, present- 
ing a picture more beautiful than the Northampton meadows or the 
green fields of the Mohawk. Passing the tobacco map, which, I am 
happy to say, shows this corner of the State in virgin wiiite, we next 
glance at the 

HAT MAP. 

This appears in five shades of crimson, spread upon the white 
page. The deepest color is scarce again. There is a little of it in 
Maine, one small spot in Vermont, three or four counties in the cen-» 
tre of New York, the whole of Cattaraugus count}', and about one- 
third of Alleghany, Erie and Chautauqua counties; then no more un- 
til we reach the magnificent grass-lands of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebras- 
ka and Kansas, although it is by no means continuous there. 

THE COUN CROP MAP 

does not give New York an acre, even in the faintest shade; and 5'et 
corn, a true grass, as we shall see hereafter, grows well here, often 
yielding fifty or sixty bushels to the acre. 

THE WHEAT CROP MAP 

leaves this corner of the State in pure white; a little strip in tlie val- 
ley of the Genesee rises to the dignity of second grade, but there are 
two grades above it, the highest being found in California alone. 

A careful examination of these four members of the gi-eat family 
named, reveals the fact that the Mississippi Valley, Avlth its miglity 
tributaries, is destined to yield the corn and wheat for this, and per- 
haps other lands, when a teeming population of many millions shall 
throng these shores, as did once the mighty multitudes along the Nile, 
the Tigris and the Euphrates. Population has ever sought fertility of 
soil, and there is a very close relation between the crop returns and 
the census of population. It has been recently shown that there is 
also a close connection between crops and crime. 



7. 

We learn from these maps that we, iii this section, are not to de- 
pend upon corn and wlieat, but upon those humbler, but not less use- 
ful members of this familj-, commonly called the forage plants. These 
constitute the bountiful source of our prosperitj^, of well-filled barns 
and overflowing milk pails; not "the green herb for the use of man," 
but the grass grown for cattle. 

As there is fre(£uent occasion to mention the term family, it be- 
comes necessary to inquire what, in a botanical sense, is 

A FAMILY. 

It is not what is understood Avhen we speak of families among 
men, for then we refer to the group of persons living in the same do- 
mestic circle, or possibly a collection of individuals closely connected 
by tlie ties of blood. The term family is the name for a very wide 
class of plants, which embraces many genera, and each of these in 
turn, many species. What, then, is a species? A species is a collec- 
tion of individuals wliich have a common parentage, and also possess 
certain essential char4cteristics in common. 

We do not propose to enter into a learned discussion in regard to 
tlie origin of species, but so far as we kjioiv. one species does not be- 
come another; Important changes may take place, thus forming 
strongly marked gioups, and tliese we call varieties. Thus we ob- 
tain variecies of the species horse, or varieties of apples and pota- 
toes. One man raised 6,000 varieties of potatoes. Individuals with 
a comujon parentage, then, form a species; of these thousands of 
species some look alike, liave similar habits, and other points of re- 
semblance; those having these correspondences form a genera; — again 
of these thousands of plant genera, you may find some which have 
features alike as to flower, fruit and mode of groAvth. These are 
grouped into a large class called a family. Individuals form species, 
species form genera, genera form families. This is equally true of 
both sub-kingdoms of the organized world. Perhaps it can be most 
reatllly seen among animals. For example: there is thecal family, 
embracing the lion, tiger, leopard, panllier, wild-cat, and some others. 
Place them together, and no one will fail to see that they i-esemble 
each other. Tiie dog family, including the hyena, jackal, fox, wolf 
and dog. have so striking a resemblance to each other that many have 
supposed that they are of common parentage, which is not the fact. 
But while ditterent species may produce monstrosities, monstrosities 
do not perpetuate llu'insilves. 

We shall now sie wuat is meant by the 

GRASS FAMILY. 

This is a great collection of plants called the Gramlueae, which, 
according to Wood, includes 300 genera, and 3,800 species, or about 
one-sixth of all the plants in the world. What then is a grass? It is 
a plaut with a hollow stem, having joints that make a horizontal par- 



.9. 

tition iicross the stem, willi leuv<^'^ wliicli form an open sheath ])art 
way up the stem, terminating usually in a slender blade, and general- 
ly, at the point of junction of the blade and sheath, has a small ap- 
pendage called a ligule. 

The grass is further distinguished by its growth, flower and fruit. 
The stem or culm terminates in a flower-stalk, which is usually a 
spike, racime or panicle, terms which a little investigation will make 
clear. The flowers are very small, and you will look in vain for the 
showy petals and sepals which adorn our roses, pinks and lilies; in 
place of these, enclosing the essential organs, the stamens and pistils, 
there are scaly leaves called palea and glumes, other names for what 
the miller calls chaff. The seed-vessel is simple, with one ascending 
ovule or seed, which divides into two styles, and these terminate in two 
feathery stigmas. When the ovule ripens it forms a grain called 
caryopsis. The leaves have veins running lengthwise, and grow on 
opposite sides of the stem, one above another. 

The grasses are often confounded with the sedges, a numerous 
family, embracing 2.000 species, but the latter have a solid stem 
and closed sheath. The clovers do not belong to this family, but 
are often called the "artiflcial grasses." They have, however, a 
different leaf, flower and fruit. 

It is a singular testimony to the value of the grasses, that there 
is but one species in all this vast collection that possesses poisonous, 
properties, and that is the bearded darnel {Solium temulentum), a 
rare plant, sometimes found in grain flelds. 

This noble family stands as the connecting link between the 
mineral and animal world, transforming, with unei ring skill, the in- 
nutritious elements of the former, into food for the latter. 

"All flesh is grass," says the inspired penman; and "all flesh is 
grass," repeats the man of science. 

The poison ivy, the sumac, the nightshade, the laurel, and hun- 
dreds of other plants, may distil from the same soil their noxious 
juices, but this faithful ally of the human family, with unvarying 
certainty, stores up its nourishment for man and beast. It has a 
marvelous power of adaptation to different situations and climates. 
Some of its representatives, found on the coast of Greenland, are 
scarcely longer than the hairs upon a squiri-el's back, while in the 
tropics others rise to the height of lofty trees. I have, myself, seen 
corn grow fifteen feet in height. So that Dean Swift, in his masterly 
satire, was not so far from the truth, when, speaking of the land of 
giants, he said: "That which surprised me most was the height of 
the grass, which, in those groumls, was about twenty feet." 

An American poet has written a graceful lyric, in tiic refrain of 
which he makes the grasses say: "I come creeping, creeping every- 
where;" and surely there is scarcely a spot where they are not found. 
Dr. Kane, in his Arctic travels, gathered their stunted stems, and, 



n. 

alas! mouruecl their loss when the rats broke hito his collection and 
ate them; bnt he consoled himself with the reflection— a comforting 
one, for the crew had the scnrvy— that they might catch the rats the 
fatter for the meal. 

They carpet the meadows, climb the hillsides, fringe the brooks, 
and even in the deep, shady nooks, lift toward the giant trees their 
slender, graceful heads. The snows of the mountains have hardl)"^ 
melted before the valleys smile with their verdure, and the rugged 
rocks are robbed of their harshness by the twining grasses in their 
clefts. Even the shifting sands of the ocean beach are held in place 
by tlieir long and fibrous root-stalks. Nature has provided that their 
seeds should be almost indestructible. They have lain in the ground 
for hundreds of yen rs, and under favorable ciroumstances have ger- 
minated; tliey have been found in the ancient tombs of Egyptian 
kings, and with sunlight and moisture have sprung again to life. 
This cliaractei'istic renders them invaluable to man, as thej' may be 
stored for a great length of time in granaries. 

Thousands of the Granmineae are comparatively unknown, and a 
select few only can be here considered. These are the more aristo- 
cratic nuiiibers of the familj', although some of tliem are of humble 
origin. Dr. Holmes has renjarked, that it is not wise for us to be 
too particular in looking uj) our genealogical line, for we may find it 
wnxed at the other end, or terminating in a slip-noose. But if any 
of these noble scions of the grass familj' are reproached with their 
lowly pedigree, I can imagine them replying, in the language of 
Cicero, to a young sprig of the Roman nobilit}', who reproaclied him 
with his humble birth: "The difference between you and me, is this: 
the greatness of your family ends with you; the greatness of mine 
begins with me!"' 

We propose to speak briefly of about a score of species. If any 
aie disposed to pursue this interesting study still further, thej' will 
find rich uiaterial in tlie exhaustless treasure.- of Prof. Gray's bota- 
ny, and in the admirable treatises on Grasses by Flint and others. In 
18G9, John Stanton Gould wrote a very learned lecture on this sub- 
ject, which was printed in the Agricultural Keport of the State So- 
ciety of that year; and I have been shown, by the accomplished Sec- 
retary, Mr. Harrison, a work in manuscript upon the artificial grasses, 
by the same autlior. Both these treatises would be a perfect treasure 
to the farmer, if publisiied for general distribution. Agriculturalists 
long felt a contempt for the theorizings of book-farming. One of 
these theorizers has been thus sarcastically described as "spending 
eight y<'ars upon a project for extracting sunbeams out of cucum- 
bers, which were to be put into vials, hermetically sealed, an d let 
out to warm the air in raw, inclement weather."' After all, the 
dreamer was not so far out of the way, for what are cucumbers but 
condensed sunshine ? 



70. 

We have learned to respeet these Investigators, and that a spirit 
of observation and research is a fruitful source of agricultural pro- 
gress. There is a saying which has been so often misquoted, that I 
venture to give it literally. It occurs in Gulliver's Travels. The 
King of Brobdingnagsays: ''Whoever could make two ears of corn or 
two blades of grass grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew 
before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential ser- 
vice to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together." 
A computation has been made of the financial results of making the 
two blades of grass grow where there was but one. As the annual 
hay crop of this country is estimated to be worth $400,000,000, the in- 
crease to our revenues thereby would be, in three years, over a thou- 
sand million dollars; and there are those who claim that it is possible, 
in a short time, to accomplish this work. If this be so, surely a care- 
ful and scientific study of the grasses promises the richest results. 

Hehu's Grass, Timothy, Cats-tail Grass. 

{Phleum pratense.) 

The last of these names was given to this grass on account of the 
supposed resemblance to the caudal appendage of tlie cat. The first 
was derived from the name of a man, who found it growing in Pisca- 
taqua, N. H., in the early part of the last century, and began to 
cultivate it. Afterwards it received the name of Timothy, from 
Timothy Hanson, who cultivated it extensively in North Carolina, 
and recommended it to the people of Great Britain. Some authors 
state that it was introduced into England, from Virginia, by Peter 
Wynclie, in 17G1. It is generally regarded as the most valuable of 
our grasses raised for hay, and is used extensively in Britain, Lap- 
land, Sweden, -Norway, the United States and Canada. According 
to chemical analysis, it is the most nutritious of our grasses if cut at 
the right time, and commands the highest price in market. The 
proper time for cutting has long been a question of discussion, but 
our best authorities now agree that it is when it is about half blown. 
If the stalk is examined at this time, a yellow spot will be found 
above the first joint. At this stage, the nourishing matter is in the 
leaves and stem, but sliould it be permitted to go beyond this, much 
of it will puss to the seeds, and when dead ripe most of the seeds will 
fall in handling the hay, and there will thus be left for the cattle noth- 
ing but the dry and tasteless stalks. Any farmer, with the slightest 
observation, must have noted the difference in the appearance of his 
cattle when wintered upon the one kind or the other. There is a very 
important reason why it should not be cut before this period. Nature 
has a wonderful way of storing up nourishment in the seed or root 
of the old plant for the use of the new. This is seen in many of the 
bulbs and seeds used by man for food. Tlie same arrangement is 
found in timothy. About the time of fiowering, a bulb is formed, 



//. 

just beneath the ground, (though one kind of timothy has fibrous 
roots), and in it is paclied away, through the elaboration of the leaves 
and stem, a large amount of nutriment upon which, when the grass 
sprouts again, it feeds. Again, it has been found essential not to cut 
below the lowest joint. There is i*eason to believe that most of our 
mowing machines are set too low. Timothy is not a good grass for 
pasture, for reasons that have been intimated. The rowen grows 
slowly, and when horses and sheep feed upon the pasture, being verj-^ 
fond of the bulbs, they nip them or pull them up, and thus "kill the 
hen that lays the golden eo;g.'''' The greatest yield of timothy up- 
on a single acre in this country was six tons. The tallest stalk was 
raised by Charles Collins, Montgomery. Pa., and measured seven feet 
and eight inches. The longest spike on record was eleven inches. 
The average crop, throughout the United States, is one and one- 
quarter tons to the acre. When in full bloom, its purple blossoms 
trembling at the zephyr's touch, and the tall stem swayed by each 
passing breeze, it presents a very beautiful appearance. 

Meadow Fox-tail. 

{Alopecurus Pratensis. ) 

This is a grass which closely resembles timothj'', and is often 
mistaken for it. It is not abundant here, but may be occasionally 
found. This plant flowers the first of June, and may be known on 
tliis account. It can be further distinguished from the fact that the 
head of timothy is longer, and is rongh to the touch, while this is 
smooth. This is one of the earliest and best pasture grasses known. 
Cattle are extremely fond of it, and it bears cropping admirably; but 
if cut for hay the loss from drying is very great. It is the principal 
grass in most of the rich natural pastures of Great Britain. 

Mr. Way, who made a careful chemical analysis of many grasses, 
shows that on account of the loss in curing, when this is worth four 
dollars and fourteen cents per ton, timothy would be worth ten dol- 
lars. Yet all agree that as a pasture grass it has no superior. It is 
early, sweet, and renews itself very rapidly. 

There is another Fox-tail, sometimes called Bottle-grass and Corn- 
grass, of quite a different character. It is foinid in corn fields, barn 
yards and potato patches, and is usually voted a nuisance, although, 
if we should ask the birds, they might give a very different verdict, as 
they seem fond of the numerous seeds which crown its summit. 

Ked-top, Fine-top, Bukdin's Grass, (Herd's Grass in Pennsyl- 
vania and the South,) Rhode Island, Bent. 
{Agrostis Vulgaris.) 
This nuist have been common among the Greeks, for the name 
Agrostis signifies field. If you should go to a dealer and inquire for 
either of the above named grasses, he would probably tell you that 



72. 

he kept them all. But he would furubh their seed from the same 
barrel; they are really one. It is a grass that exhibits itself umler 
quite different aspects in var3Mno; situations. Sometimes the panicles 
are veiy slight and graceful, at others, strong and tall, but almost al- 
ways distinguishable, from the brownish red of its blossoms. It is 
a good pasture grass, though the cattle give it a second or tliird place 
in their choice. 

Orchakd Grass, Rough Cock's-foot. 

{Dactylis Glomerata.) 

I have been greatly interested in studying this grass, and I am 
satisfied that it could be more extensively sown in this region, with 
great advantage. It grows luxuriantly, and matures by the middle 
of June. Its aftermath developes so rapidly, that in many cases it 
would be eas}'' to secure a large second crop. No grass suffers less 
from cropping, or grows more rapidly afterwards. One farmer says 
if his cattle went to bed witliout supper, tliey could have a good bite 
for breakfast. Some time ago, a collection of grasses was presented 
to a jury of cows, and they expressed a decided preference for or- 
chard grass. The roots are fibrous, and consequently not easily in- 
jured. "As it ripens about tlie same time as clover, if sown together, 
they could both be cut at tlie most appropriate season, which cannot 
be the case when clover and timothy are sown, for they ripen at dif- 
ferent times. I saw a piece this summer, sown on a lawn. A worse 
mistake could hardly have been made, for its mode of gi-owth unfits 
it for tliat purpose; but it gave a most magnificent yield of three tons 
to the acre. I am satisfied that the farmers of Cattaraugus County 
should give this grass a trial, especially wliere they are sowing for 
permanent pasture. 

June Grass, Kentucky Blue Grass. 

iPoa Pratensis.) 

This plant, which is very common in our own fields, forms the 
prevailing forage of Kentucky. It maj' be known from its early blos- 
soming, and from a woolly web at the base of its flowers. The fa- 
mous pastures of Kentucky will fatten cattle faster than any other in 
the world. "Where do you get 3'our best cattle ?" said 1 to an exten- 
sive dealer in New York. "Tiie corn-feJ cattle of Illinois," he re- 
plied, "'are best. Kentucky cattle i-ank second. Texas cattle are the 
poorest meat of all." 

Blue gf ass gives the green tinge to the mountains of Vermont, 
which may appear a little paradoxical. Though blossoming so early, 
it sends out a luxuriant growth of radical or root leaves, which make 
capital after-feed, often remaining green all winter. la Kentucky, 
the horses and sheep paw the snow awa}' and eat it. It seems to bear 
exti-eme cold better than any grass known. It is often found three 
thousand feet above the level of the sea. 



78. 

It seems to bo titted for a pioneer, and it is said that havinj^ once 
fastened itself upon the prairies of the west, it will sometimes displace 
all other grasses. Graceful and fairy-like in its movements, and asso- 
ciated with our remembrances of the first sweet green of Spring, we 
look upon it as an old friend, and herald its coming witli gladness. 

SWKET-SCENTED VERNAL-GRASS. 

{Antlioxanthum Odoraium. ) 

Englishmen often speak of the fact that their hay is sweeter than 
ours; if so, it is largely due to the presence of this grass, as it is found 
abundantly in old meadows. 

Tliere are not many of the grasses which emit agreeable odors, 
but this is perhaps most marked of all. Shakespeare makes Richard 
the Third exclaim, as he cools his fevered brow by walking in the 
lields on the night preceding the battle which cost him a crown : — "IIow 
sweet the fragi-ance of the new-mown hay." From its flowers there 
protrude little sharp appendages called awns, which are strangely 
sensitive to the changes of the atmosphere. They are pretty good 
hydrometers on a small scale. If placed on the table they will con- 
tract and expand in a very peculiar manner, as if they were living 
beings and in a nervous state of health. The aAvns of wild oats have 
the same peculiarity. This grass is not very valuable, but those who 
find poetry in the hay field, and enjoy the sweet scent of the Avell- 
filled mow, will be loth to part with it. 

Annual Spear Grass. 

{Foci Armua.) 

Mr. Flint thinks this is the most common of all our grasses. It 
looks very much like June Grass, but may be distinguished from it 
by not having the fuzz below its flowers, and by having sword-shaped 
leaves, crumpled at the ends. It flowers throughout the summer. 

I have now mentioned seven of our most common and valuable 
grasses. They probably comprise nine-tenths of all the growth of 
our meadows and pastures. A few others are pai-ticularly interesting 
for their ])eculiarities of structure, or the curious purposes which 
they serve. 

Black Grass. 

(Jiuiciis Bulbostis.) 

Along our Atlantic sea-board it Is exceedingly difficult to raise 
good grass for cattle. The meadow lands are low and salt, being 
often covered by the waters of the bays, and on them are found sed- 
ges in abundance. Salt hay, so called, is also found there in great 
quantities, but these are not very nutritious; still they are cut in vast 
quantities, and sometimes shipped to the city markets. I have often 
seen men loading scows with this liay, putting on board, perhaps, 
ten or twenty tons, then sailing away thirty or forty miles distant, 



tlie whole looking like a huge hay stack with white wings. There is 
one important exception to the inferiority of these sea-shore gi'asses, 
and that is the black grass. Just along the line where the salt mead- 
ows and the uplands meet, it grows from ten to twenty inches high, 
crowned at the top with a bunch of heavy and nutritious seeds. When 
combined with the goose-grass, (so called because the Canada goose 
likes to feed upon it), if well cured, it makes a hay equal to timothy. 

Beach Grass, Mat Grass. 

( Calamagrofitis Arenaria. ) 

This has been called the most advanced sentinel of the vegetable 
kingdom. It is found on the sandy coasts which form the barriers of 
the sea. Many a time, when a boy, going to bathe in the surf, I have 
pricked my feet with its thorny chaff, and wondered what that grass 
was made for, little dreaming then, that this despised and ugly-look- 
ing member of the vegetable world often accomplishes tasks wliich 
defy the skill and appliances of the best engineers. It has been found 
to be one of the surest protections for our sandy coasts. The harbor 
of Provincetown, on Cape Cod, one of the best in tiie world, owes 
its preservation to it. In England there exists to this day a statute 
against pulling it up or destroying it. Along the sea-board the winds 
sometimes blow with such force that they would sweep away the 
light, sandy soil, and often fill the bays and inlets if there were not 
this protection. I have seen windows in the houses on the beach, hav- 
ing the exact appearance of ground glass, made so by the sand that 
had been blown upon them. Beach grass comes to the rescue. It 
grows with long, reclining subterranean stems, sometimes forty feet 
in length, from which the blades shoot up, making a net-work over 
and through the sand. If the sand is blown upon it and the grass is 
buried, it continues to thrive, and, indeed, seems to be improved by 
this hard usage. 

Common Crab-Grass, Finger Grass. 

{Fanicum Sanguinale.) 

Before passing to that branch of the grass family which furnish- 
es food to the human race, we pay a passing tribute to a i-epresenta- 
tive of that despised tribe of the gramineae called weeds. A weed has 
been defined as "a plant, growing where it is not wanted." This one 
said to get its nume, Sanguinale, bloody, from the practice of boys in 
Germany pricking each others' noses with its sharp spikes until they 
bleed. Some of us remember how industriously we have labored to 
eradicate it, and were surprised to find, if it had rained shortly after, 
that we had planted a score of weeds where there was but one be- 
fore. However, it has its merits, for its five-fingered infloresence 
gives it a curious appearance, and its seeds are greatly relished by the 
birds. Pei'haps this feeding of birds is not rcgai-ded as an essential 



/J. 

part of farming; but a greater heresy than that has never cursed the 
profession. If j'^ou would preserve your grasses from the bugs, 
worms, caterpillars and grasshoppers, welcome the birds to your 
homes. Plant trees for them, build boxes for tlieir nests, and don't 
begrudge tliem a few berries and clierries. 

ElCE. 

( Oryza Saliva. ) 

This furnishes the bread for half the world. The Chinese tell us 
tlicy used it two thousand eight hundred years before the birth of 
Christ. The modes of planting are various, though it flourishes best 
on land tliat can be flooded. The beautiful saying of our Saviour, 
"Cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt find it after many 
days," had reference to tlie sowing of tlie rice upon the river Nile, 
when it liad overflowed its baulvs. There are many kinds of rice, one 
hundred and sixty-one varieties being found in the Island of Ceylon 
alone. The favorite variety, called "long grain," is said to have 
been obtained by a man who noticed some very large grains in his 
harvest, and planted tliem. Another illustration of the doctrine of 
selection. A New York man, by the name of Calvin Emmons, in- 
vented the machine for cleaning rice, now used in the Southern 
States. Is it not curious that the value of the two great products of 
tlie South has been so much enhanced tlirough the inventions of 
two men from the North, Emmons, and Eli Wliitney, who invented 
the cotton gin ? Our census reveals a curious fact in reference to the 
rice culture, showing that there is now raised in tliis country but 
about one-tliird as much as was produced twentj^ years ago. 

Corn. 

( Zea Mays. ) 

Tliis is eaten by more persons than any other grain, except rice. 
Its cliemical composition is found to be admirably adapted to the 
wants of the liuman family. The varieties are exceedingly numer- 
ous, there probably being a hundred in this country alone. Tliey 
range from the little Brazilian variety, the grain of wiiich is not lar- 
ger than a mustard seed, and tlie ear the size of your little finger, to 
tl»e stately soutiiern corn, from twelve to twenty feet in height. We 
can see, by observing the corn, liow the seeds of plants are produced. 
When it is in blossom, if we shake the stem fine dust from the stamens 
on top will fill the air, and if tliis falls upon the little pistils, common- 
ly called the silk of the ear, it will fertilize, at the inner end, the ovule, 
and form the grain of corn. This is essentially the process of fertil- 
ization in all flowering ])lants. It explains what we wondered at 
when we were boys: why the pop-corn, which we planted with such 
bright anticipations, proved, in the autumn, to be something else, that 
"wouldn't pop worth a cent;" the pollen of other varieties had fallen 



7H. 

on the silk. Prescott says tliat tlie discovery of Columbus, viewed in 
its results, was the greatest achievement ever wrought b}' a human 
being. The introduction of corn into tlie old world was not the least 
of these benefits. In 1872, there was raised in this country, seven 
hundred and sixtj' million nine hundred and fortj^-four thousand five 
hundred and forty-nine bushels of corn. We shipped abi'oad, in 
1878, twenty-five million bushels. The largest yield of corn record- 
ed for a single acre, is two hundred bushels. It was raised by Dr. 
Parker, of South Carolina. A smaller area has yielded at tlie rate of 
two hundred and sixty-chree bushels. 

The practice of sowing corn for fodder is of recent origin, and 
the man Avho will invent a process for curing it rapidly and thorough- 
ly, will take rank as a public benefactor. 

The Arabs have long been in the habit of selling to unsuspecting 
travelers: "Mummy corn, from the tombs of Egypt." It is a pity to 
explode so fine a fancy, but as our maize (corn) was unknown to the 
Egyptians, of course there could have been none in their tombs. The 
term corn, in the early times, embraced a number of grains, hence 
Mrs. Whitman, in a fine description of Ceres, the goddess of the har- 
vest, does not violate any of the dramatic luiities when she says: 

"All the wealth 
Of wreathed poppies and of sheathed corn 
By Ceres, on her stately temples borne." 

Wheat. 

{Triticum Vulgar e.) 

It ranks third in quantity of the grains raised for food, and first 
in civilized lands. It is raised most extensively in the United States, 
Russia, Turkey, Denmark, Hungary and Chili. Two of the great 
wheat countries are now in mortal conflict. The loss to their produc- 
tive industry must be immense, and its effects upon the price of bread- 
stuffs will tell more plainly next year than at the present time. 

In 1874, our country raised three hundred and nine million one 
hundred and two thousand seven hundred bushels of wheat. The av- 
erage yield per acre was twelve and three-tenths bushels. An aston- 
ishing illustration of western progress is shown in a report from Cal- 
ifornia. In 1850 that State raised seventeen thousand two hundred 
bushels. In 1874, twenty-one million five hundred and four thousand 
bushels. A competent authority, in speaking of that region, says, 
that "from two thousand to four thousand acres is a moderate size 
for a wheat farm, and there are not a few ten times as large." The 
excellent variety, known as Tea Wheat, is said to have been first 
grown from seed found in a chest of tea. 

There is perhaps no better example of wasteful farming, than 
that given by New York in the abuse of her wheat fields, where the 
avei-age yield has declined from tliirty to six bushels per acre, while 
that of England, after hundreds of years of cultivatioii, has risen 
from six to thirty. 



/7. 
Rye. 

{Secale Cereale.) 

Its origin is not Ivnown. It varies less under cultivation than any 
other grain, only two varieties, the winter and spring rye being sown. 
Tlie firm and glossy straw is very useful for many purposes. Flour- 
ishing on new and poor soil, it seems to furnish the appropriate com- 
plement to the wheat crop, and yields, in many lands, the wholesome 
bread of the poor. In Sweden they make tliin cakes of it and string 
tliem; they will keep thus for half a year. Our yield, in 1870, was 
twenty million bushels. 

Barley. 

( Hordeiim Vidgare. ) 

This is more widelj' diffused, and moi-e generally, though not large- 
Ij' used, than anj' otlier grain. In eai'ly times it formed one of the 
principal articles of food throughout the world. Now a great part of 
the crop, in many countries, is used, or rather misused, for tlie pro- 
duction of malt liquors; one of the most monstrous perversions of 
the bounties of Providence which can be found in the history of hu- 
man sin and weakness. Our yield, in 1870, was fifteen million eight 
hundred and twenty-ttve thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight 
bushels. 

Oats. 

{Avena Saiiva.) 

This is one of our most beautiful as well as productive cereals. 
Its grains contain a very large amount of the phosphates, consequent- 
ly it is an exhausting crop, and for the same reason is a stimulating 
and nourishing food. Tiie old saying that a horse ''feels his oats," is 
one of those attestations to truth which we sometimes find in popu- 
lar language. The Irish use it extensively as an article of diet, and 
in the form of oat-meal it often finds a place upon our breakfast ta- 
bles. No doubt it could be used more generally than it is, with deci- 
ded advantage. Dr. Johnson, it seems, did not have a very high 
opinion of it, as he certainly did not of Scotchmen, for he sneeringly 
remarked: "In England, oats are food for horses, in Scotland they 
are food for men." Two or three varieties are particularly common. 
Probably the best, the potato-oat, was accidentally found in a potato 
field. This, again, shows us the value of farmers keeping tlieir eyes 
wide open. 

In 1870, there were raised in the United States, two hundred and 
eighty-two million one hundred and seven thousand one hundred and 
fifty-seven bushels. Fifty bushels on a single acre is a good crop, 
though a greater number is not uncommon. There were produced, on 
the farm of the Institute, this summer, on five-sixteentli>! of an acre, 
(the piece selected for measurement), twenty-eight bushels and one 



peck; which would make a fraction over ninety bushels to the acre; 
these were the horse-mane oats, so called because the grains incline 
to one side of the stalk. 

Millet. 

( Panicum Miliaceum. ) 

The branch of the grass family to which this belongs, is not re- 
markable for useful members. There are eight hundred and fifty 
species of this genus, and millet is the only one that is of much val- 
ue. Millet is sometimes gi-ound for meal, and is said to contain more 
nutritious matter than anj^ other grain. 

The name was given to this grain from the latin, mille, thousand, 

on account of the vast number of its seeds. Speaking of the number 

of seeds, I am reminded of the interesting table furnished by Mr. 

Flint: 

June Grass, about 3,888,000 seeds to the pound. 
Orchard " " 640,000 " " " 

Timothy " 1,100,000 " " " 

Sweet Vernal " 923,200 " " " 

Indian Rice, Water Oats. 

(Zizania Aquatica.) 

Most persons must have observed this beautiful plant growing in 
the marshes and on the banks of our rivers. The Indians, in their 
savage state, have always used it extensively for food. Pushing their 
canoes through the graceful branches, as they grow up out of the 
water, they bend them, and beat off the seeds into their boats. The 
stalk itself, when tender, is said to be the sweetest of grasses. The 
rail bird and the Baltimore oriole are exceedingly fond of its seeds, 
and seek it on the shores of the Delaware and Chesapeake, to the 
great delight of the watching sportsman. More than one author has 
recommended that civilized man should adopt and domesticate this 
wild, but promising denizen of the forest, one remarking: "This plant 
seems to be designed by nature to become the bread-corn of the 
North." Nature sometimes seems to pour her richest gifts into the 
laps of her idlest children. The amount of ground, which, in wheat, 
would support one man, in bananas would sustain twenty-five. No 
"sower goes forth to sow" the wild rice of the cold northwest, but a 
little observation will reveal the truth, that she brings her choicest 
treasures to the noble toilers in her fields. 

Sugar Cane. 

( Saccharum Officinarum. ) 

The sources of sugar are numerous. In early times it was pro- 
duced from dates, bananas, and other fruits. The maple, in our own 
section, yields a large quantit3^ Beets, sorghum, corn and sugar 
cane have it in consideral)le amount, but our greatest source of sup- 



70. 

ply is tlie last mentioned. The West Indies and Guli States yield 
iunnense ciuantities, which are shii)pod to all quarters of the globe. 
The mode of planting is quite similar to that practiced in the raising 
of corn, though cuttings are planted instead of seeds. 

A very interesting member of the genera §orghum, to which the 
sugar cane belongs, is broom-corn. We owe this valuable grain to 
the investigating habits of Dr. Franklin. Being shown a curious 
brush which had been brouglit from eastern Asia, he examined it 
carefully, and found a single seed; he planted it, and this was the 
beginning of the great industries which are now connected with the 
cultivation of this plant and the pro<luction of brooms. This is not 
the only blessing which farmers have derived from that wonderful 
embodiment of common and uncommon sense. The precepts of 
"Poor Eichard'' still pass as current coin among them. To him we 
owe the introduction of plaster as a fertilizer. It is said that he 
brought it into use by sowing it over a field of grain on a hill-side, 
so as to form, in immense letters, the sentence, "Effects of Gypsum." 
The rapid growth which followed, soon made the plaster speak for 
itself. 

Bamboo. 

( Bamhusa Arundinacea. ) 

This is the king of the grasses, and stands head and shouldei s 
above all the other members of his excellent family, for he sometimes 
rises to the height of one hundred feet. It is not his stature alone 
that makes him great, but the varied and useful qualities which he 
possesses. We cannot do better than quote a description of the won- 
derful and almost innumerable uses served by this member of the 
grass family. 

"The young and tender shoots are boiled and eaten, or preserved 
by the confectioners, and, as sweetmeats, are delicious. The roots 
serve many curious purposes. The tubes are in constant use in many 
departments of human industry; not only are entire houses and boats 
made of them, in some cases, but various kinds of ornamental screen 
work, for interior decoration ; also the yards of vessels, and the tack- 
ing poles by which boats are propelled in calm and shallow waters. 
The straightest of the tubes have been used for astronomical pur- 
poses, and cheap acqueducts are in common use, formed by fitting 
the ends together. Shreds are made from the bamboo by softening it 
in water and flattening the section, and these when split fine are made 
into rain cloaks. Floats to tie on the backs of little children who 
live in boats on rivers, as well as the poles by which strong coolies 
carry burdens, come alike from this tree. Water-wheels, ropes, chairs, 
tables, bookcases, boxes, hats, umbrellas, pipe-sticks, fancj' fan-cases, 
cups, measures for grain, shields, pike and spear handles, and paper, 
all are formed from the bamboo. The pith is used for lamp-wicks, 
and exquisite carvings, inlaid with silver and gold, and far more el- 



20. 

egant than ivory work, are produced from the hard stem. From the 
large quantity of silex iu tlie wood, thin slices make good knives." 

After this description, none will be disposed to dispute the title 
of the bamboo as "king of the grasses." 

Such are a few of the most important members of this interest- 
ing family. Let ns now briefly consider their homes. 

Meadows. 

Tlie plowing of land for the sowing of grass is of comparatively 
recent origin, but the nurturing of meadows for the production of 
hay is of early date. This was very largely accomplished in the east 
by means of irrigation. A remarkable illustration of the effects of 
improved culture can be found in the history of the Moors in Grena- 
da, flaving conquered this portion of Spain, which is not remarka- 
ble for its agricultural excellence, they introduced the improvements 
of their own country, building acqueducts and canals for flooding, 
and raised the products of her soil to an annual sum of thirty mil- 
lions of dollars, — more money then than the yearly revenue of all the 
Christian sovereigns of the world. Irrigation is the source of the 
fertility along the Po, on the plains of Lombai'dy, and tlie meadows 
around Edinboro, over the latter of which they pour their liquid ma- 
nures, and thus secure the astonishing yield which has been already 
mentioned. Our meadows are abused and not farmed. We stint 
them of seeds and rob them of fertilizers. If tliis continues it is not 
difficult to foresee the result. The practice of selling our hay if not 
carefully watched, will surely inipoverisli these fertile valleys. We 
have already learned from the census maps where our strength lies. 
If we continue to shear our fields and deprive them of their strength, 
they will become like Samsou shorn of his hair. Rather double tiie 
seed, use every pound of fertilizer you can get, plow under the ricli 
growth of grass and weeds, and with the nicest care guard one of 
the richest treasures ever vouchsafed to a prosperous people. 

Pastures. 

The earliest traditions of the world are connected with a pastoral 
life. The wealth of the early generations consisted cliieflj' in flocks. 
The future King of Israel tended the cattle, and from the beautiful 
scenes around him received those poetic impressions which are often 
breathed forth from his inspired lyi'e, now rising to sublime strains, 
now sinking to pensive and restful sweetness as he sings: "He maketh 
me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still 
water." 

Our own pastures yield the largest amount of our money, but 
their beauty is sometimes liard to see. When do the cattle bring the 
farmer his gains? In the sununer. When, then, slfould tliey be best 
fed? We answer, in tlie summer. Let them go in clover and timo- 
tliy up to their eyes, not in the marshes, where there is nothing to 



2i. 

eat but brambles and blackberry vines. I am satisfied we have too 
mucli land in our pastures; half as much, brushed, seeded, harrowed 
or plowed, and sowed, would give a far riclier return. 

A better opportunitj' for a display of judgment, slvill and good 
economy, was never offered than that presented in the problem, 
How shall we improve and bring to the highest productiveness, our 
pasture lands? 

Pampas. 

Stretching away from the base of the Cordilleras, and elsewhere 
in South America, tliese great plains extend over an area of a million 
and a half square miles, equal to half the surface of the United 
States. Here countless lierds lind abundant pasture. Though there 
were no cattle in South America at the time it was discovered, it is 
estimated that tliere are now more feeding wild on the pampas, than 
there are of domesticated cattle in all Europe. The}' live cliietly up- 
on a luxuriant growth of clover and thistles, greatly preferiing them 
to tlie pampa grass. If the bamboo, by reason of strength should be 
crowned king, the pampa grass, by reason of beauty, should be 
named. "queen." Bising to tlie height of six feet, with a breadth as 
great, it throws up lofty panicles, ten or fifteen feet from the ground, 
waving with a silky and silvery lustre; its splendid flowers, sometimes 
tinted with yellow and purple, and the great leaves occasionally 
varied with white. Imagine a horseman, with lasso in hand, riding 
at full speed under their nodding plumes, after the fleeing herd, and 
you have one of the most picturesque scenes of that southern land. 

Prairies. 

Buffalo paths and Indian trails are rapidly giving place to public 
highways and railroads. Yet there will long linger in the traditions 
of men, stories of the earlier times, when the wild beast fed upon 
tlie rich prairies of the west. 

The Buffalo Grass, like its associate in name, is the hardy native 
of our soil. It seems fitted to resist alike the heat of summer and the 
frosts of winter. The pioneer often finds it to be his best friend, 
though old men tell of fearful scenes, when, wrapped in flames and 
smoke, it threatened to become to them a billowy sea of death. 

Lawns. 

The wavy outline of these blue hills and sky is beautiful. These 
magnificent forests are grand, but tliere is one element of loveliness 
which our section possesses that surpasses all others, — it is the rich- 
ness, greenness and abundance of our grass. Shall we not make the 
most of It? Let us spread it out smootli, like a carpet, even and vel- 
vet}', before our homes. Displace the pig-pen and the wood-pile 
from the front yard, straighten tlie fence, curve the paths, cut down 
the weeds, and let the grace and beauty that surround the English 



22. 
cottage, adorn the places where we live. I plead for the wife and 
children, that they may have a spot for flowers and fragrance, the 
green turf, soft to the weary feet, for romping and croquet in the 
evening twilight: tall trees to spread their ample shade along the 
road, not less than blossoming orchards in your fields. A little taste 
would transform scores of places that we see, now harsh and re- 
pulsive, into pleasant and attractive homes. There may be no carpet 
on the floor, but there can be one spread upon the yard, fairer than 
Tyrian purple and more enduring than the costly fabrics of Brussels. 
Oh! when shall we learn tliat "the life is more than meat," that it is 
wise to gladden the hearts of wives and children, and the aged, by 
surrounding our homes with the atmosphere of beauty? 

Landscapes. 

There is one who has striven all his life long to awaken in the 
hearts of English-speaking people, the sentiment of love for the 
beautiful. A poet who writes in prose, a painter who never touches 
brush to canvas, — lluskin, the art critic of old England. Listen to his 
matchless words as he points out to us such loveliness as we never 
saw in grass before: 

"The Greeks, we have seen, delighted in the grass for its useful- 
ness; the mediaeval, as also we moderns, for its color and beauty. 
But both dwell on it as the first element of the lovely landscape. 
Gather a single blade of grass and examine for a minute, quietly, its 
narrow, sword shaped strip of fluted green. Nothing, as it seems 
there, of notable goodness or beauty. And yet, think of it well, and 
judge whether of all the goi'geous flowers that bloom in the summer 
air, and of all strong and goodly trees, pleasant to the eye and good 
for food, stately palm and pine, strong ash and oak, scented citron, 
burdened vine,— there be any by man so deeply loved, by God so 
highly graced, as that narrow point of tender green. And well does 
it fulfill its mission. Consider what we owe merely to the meadow 
grass — to the covering of the dark ground bj" that glorious enamel, 
by the companies of those soft and countless and peaceful spears. 
The fields! Follow forth but for a little while the thoughts of all 
that we ought to recognize in those words. All spring and summer 
is in them — the walks by silent, scented paths — the rests in noonday 
heat — the joy of herds and flocks — the power of all shepherd life and 
meditation, — the life of sunlight upon the world, falling in emerald 
streaks, and failing in soft, blue shadows, where else it would have 
struck upon the dark mould or scorching dust, — pastures beside the 
pacing brooks, — soft banks and knolls of lovely hills, — young slopes 
of down, overlooked by the blue line of lifted sea, — crisp lawn, all 
dim with early dew, or smooth in evening's warmth of barred sun- 
shine, dinted with happy feet, and softening in their fall the sound 
of loving voices. All these are summed up in those simple words; 



23. 

and these are not all. As you follow the Avinding mountain path, 
beneath arching boughs all veiled and dim with blossoms, — paths that 
forever droop and rise over the green banks and mounds sweeping 
down in scented undulations steep to the blue water, studded here 
and there with new-mown heaps, filling all the air with fainter sweet- 
ness, look up toward the higiier hills, where the waves of everlasting 
green roll silently into their long inlets among the shadows of the 
pines; and we may, perhaps, at last know the meaning of those quiet 
words: 'He maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.'" 

Conclusion. 

In conclusion: — Be proud of your farms, whether large or small. 
Know that the landholder is the true lord. It has ever been so. That 
is a fine old picture given us of Cincinnatus at the plow, going from 
it as dictator to save his country, and quickly returning to it when his 
task was done. The world looked on in wonder to see that act i-e- 
peated on a large scale in our own day, when our farmers and their 
sons left their plows to save their country, and when their work was 
accomplished, contrary to the sneering prophesy of tyrants, hastened 
back to resume their labors. 

Horace Greely thus closes his history of the American Conflict; 
"Thus rapidly, as well as peacefully and joyously, were the mighti- 
est hosts ever called into the field by a republic, restored to the tran- 
quil paths of industry and thrift, melting back by regiments into qui- 
et citizenship, with nothing to distinguish them from others but the 
proud consciousness of having served and saved their country." 

A distinguished officer in our regular army, owns a poor little 
farm on the coast of Rhode Island. He never lives on it, but cherish- 
es it with the fondest care; for, said he to me, ''It has been in our 
family two hundred years, descending from father to son, to my boy 
next, and so on I hope till the crack of doom."' Young men, are you 
eager to leave the farm-house and the faini ? You make a great mis- 
take. Mercantile life in the city has nothing to offer you as an 
equivalent for what you lose. Careful statistics sliow that 95 per cent, 
of the young men who go from the country to seek their fortunes in 
the city, make a failure. Tilling the soil is better work than measuring 
tape. It will be a happy day for our country when this wretched 
disposition among our young people, to leave the fields and manual 
labor for the hazards of business, shall be radically changed. The 
professions are over-stocked. The banks and stores have more clerks 
than they want; but the blessed acres of God are still plentiful, and 
invite all willing hands to sieze their riches. Let the young farmer 
become intelligent and observing. Let him secure the best education 
the country affords, and it is in his»power; remembering that it is 
mind that conquers matter, that thought alone creates invention, over- 
comes the barrenness of soils, supplies fertilizers, crowns the earth 
with fertility, and blesses man with wealth and a higher civilization. 



2i-. 

Be proud of your heritage and happy in your work. When Croesus, 
the wealthiest man of antiquity, aslved Solon, the wise man of Greece, 
who he thought was the happiest man in the world, Solon answered: 
"Tulus, an Athenian, for he owns twelve acres of land which 
he tills with his own hands, and possesses a lovely wife and ten con- 
tented children." 

Yours is a life of toil, of hard hands and sweaty brows, but it 
may be blessed with virtue, health, plenty, and more than kingly in- 
dependence, for 

•'Honor waits o'er all the earth. 
Through endless generations; 
Tlie art that calls her harvests forth, 
And feeds the expectant nations." 



APPENDIX 



-9J 



Throngli the courtesy of Ivison, Blakenian, Taylor & Co.. of 
New York, I am permitted to use the beautiful lithographic eno rav- 
iags of the grasses published by them iu their admirable work, "The 
Lessons and Manual of Botany," by Prof. A^a Gray. The illustra- 
tions cover the whole sixty-six genera mentioned and desci-ibed by 
him. I have also used his explanations of the plates, simply adding 
such remarks as will make them intelligible to any who may not have 
a critical knowledge of the subject. 

The parts inclosed in each parenthesis are explanatorj' of wliat 
immediately precedes them, thu>: — Leersia oryzoides, (Rice Cut- 
grass.) 

The first name, printed in larger type, is the name of a genus; 
the second word, which is afterwards joined to it, is the name of a 
species of that genus; for example, Lekrsia, (genus), Leersia ory- 
zoides (the name of a species), and so on through all the expla- 
nations. 



2fi. EXPLANATION OF PLATES. PLATE VII. 



Leersia (White Grass.) — Panicle of Leersia oryzoides (Rice Ciit- 
j>rass) reduced in size (1); abranchletof the same, with its spike- 
lets (little flowers of the grasses), of the natural size (2); and an 
open spikelet in flower, enlarged (3). 

ZiZANiA, (Water or Indian Eice). — A staminate (flowers having 
stamens but not pistils), (1), and a pistilate (flower having pistils 
but not stamens), (2), flower or spikelet of Zizania Aquatica (In- 
dian Kice, Water Oats); a magnifled pistil with a pair of scales 
(3); a grain (4); and a magnified longitudinal section of the 
lower part of the same, showing the embryo (the rudimentary, 
undeveloped plantlet in the seed) at the outside of the base of the 
albumen. 

Alopecurds (Fox-tail Grass). — Part of a plant of Alopecurus geni- 
culatus (Floating Fox-tall) in flower (1) ; a few spikelets from 
the spike-like infloresence (mode of flowering), moderately mag- 
nifled (2) ; an open spikelet in flower, more magnifled (3), and 
the single lower palet (chaff) detached (4). 

Phleum (Cat's-tail Grass). — A detached spikelet of Phleum pratense 
(Timothy Herd's Grass in New England and New York) having 
the flower with its palets (chaff or minor husks of grass) raised 
above the glumes (chaff or outer husks of each spikelet), mag- 
nified. 

Crypsis (Crypsis). — Infloresence (1) of Crypsis scholnoides; a sepa- 
rate enlarged spikelet (2); and the same open, in flower (3). 

Vilfa (Rush Grass). — An enlarged spikelet of Vilfa vaginaeflara (1) 
and the same displayed (2). 

Sparobalus (Drop-seed Grass).— A spikelet of Sparobolus cryptan- 
drus. magnified (1); the same with the flower open, the palets 
raised above the glumes (2); and the fruit (3), more magnified, 
showing the seed loose in the pericarp (the skin or covering of 
the seed). 

Agrostis (Bent-grass). — Panicle of Agrostis vulgaris (Red-top, 
Herd's-grass in Pa.) (1); with an enlarged open spikelet of the 
same; also (3) the rough pedicel (the stalk of each particular 
flower of a cluster) and glumes or chaff of Agrostis scabra (Hair 
grass) with the flower separated, the latter having no upper palet 
or chaff. 



d^ivir 




30. EXPLANATION OF PLATES. PLATE VlII 



POLYPOGON (Beard-grass). — Spike-like, contracted panicle of Poly- 
pogon Monspeliensis (1); an enlarged, detached spikelet, showing 
the long awns (a bristle-like appendage to the flower of some 
grasses) to the glumes (2); the same open yi flower (3); and a 
separate flower without the glumes (4). 

CiNNA (Wood Reed-grass). — A magnified spikelet of Cinna armdina- 
cea (1); and the same open, displaying the palet, the single stam- 
ens and the pistil (2). 

MUHLENDERGIA (Drop-seed). — A magnified closed spikelet of Muhl- 
endergia sylvatiea (1); the same with the open flower raised out 
of the glumes (2); a magnified spikelet of Muhlendergia differa 
(Nimble Will) (3); its minute and unequal glumes more magni- 
fied (4); and an open spikelet of the same (5). 

BuACiiYELYTKUM.— A spikelet of Brachyelytrum aristatum enlarged 
(1); the same displayed (2); 

Calamagkostis (Keed Bent-grass). — An open spikelet of Calama- 
grostis Canadensis (Blue Joint-grass) enlarged, displaying all the 
parts (1); the same with the flower raised out of the glumes, 
showing the hairy rudiment behind the upper palet (2). 

Oryzopsis (Mountain Rice). — An open, magnified spikelet of Ory- 
zopsis asperifolia (1); and the flower of the same removed from 
the glumes (2). Notice the remnrkablj^ long hypogynous (insert- 
ed under the pistil) scales, which here nearly equal the palets in 
length. 

Stipa (Feather-grass). — Glumes and flower (a little separated) of 
Stipa avenacca (Black Oat-grass) enlarged. 

Aristida (Tripple-awned Grass). — A spikelet of Aristida purpuras- 
cens, enlarged. 



N' e T\ e f ' 1 o f 7 "f* a .s s e s 



m. 




/ ntrr^i au. 



34. EXPLANATION OF PLATES. PLATE IX. 



Spartina (Cord or Marsh Grass). — Portion of the uifloresence of 
Spartina stricta (Salt Marsh Grass) of the natural size (1); a 
spikelet enlarged (2); and the same displayed, the flower raised 
above the glumes (3). 

Ctenium (Toothache Grass). — Spike of CteniumAmericanuui (1); a 
single spikelet magnified (2); and the same displayed, the glumes 
separated (3). 

Bouteloua (Muskit Grass). — A portion of the compound spike, of 
the natural size (1); and a spike displayed and magnified (2); 
the flower raised out of the glumes. 

Gymnopogon (Naked-beard Grass). — Infioresence of gymnopogon 
racemosus, reduced in size (1); and a magnified spikelet with the 
parts displayed (2). 

Cynodon (Bermuda or Scotch Grass). — Infioresence of digitate 
(spreading out like the fingers of the hand) spikes (1); a spike- 
let magnified and displayed, showing a perfect flower and a rudi- 
ment (2). 

Dactyloctenium (Egyptian Grass). — Infioresence of Dactylocteni- 
um Egyptiacum, of digitate spikes (1); one of the spikelets mag- 
nified (2); the fruit magnified (3); showing the seed loose in the 
thin pericarp, and (4) the wrinkled seed more magnified. 

Eleusine (Crab-Grass Yard-Grass). — One of the spikes from the 
digitate infioresence of Elusine Indica (Dog's-tail or Wire Grass) 
(1); a magnified spikelet (2); the same with the flowers more dis- 
played (3); a flower of the last, showing its parts (4); the fruit 
showing the seed loose in the pericarp (5); and tlie wrinkled seed 
detached (6) 

Septochloa. — Small portion of the infioresence of Septochloa fascu- 
laris(l); one of its spikelets displayed and magnified (2); an 
open fiower of the same (3). 



SahlK. 




^Y\yr-a'pM.e^. 



38. EXPLANATION OF PLATES. PLATE X. 

Tricuspis. — Magnified spikelet of Tricuspis sulerioides (Tall Eed- 
top) (1); the same displayed and the lowest flower open (2); 
back view of the lower palets spread out (3). 

Grapiiephorum. — A magnified spikelet of Graphephorum melicoi- 
des displayed (1); a part of the hairy rhachis (the axis of the 
spike) and one flower of the same (3). 

DiAKRHENA. — A spikelet of Diarrheua Americana enlarged (1); the 
grain and palets (2). 

Dactvlis (Orchard Grass). — A spikelet of Dactylis glemerata magni- 
fied and -lisplayetl. 

KOELERIA. — A magnified spikelet of Koeleria cristata, expanded, 
showing the glumes, the three flowers and a rudiment (1); lower 
part of a lower palet partly spread open (2); it is much more 
folded and keeled in its natural condition. 

Eatonia. — A magnified spikelet of Eatonia obturata, expanded, 
showing the glumes, the two flowers and a rudiment. 

Melica (Melic Grass). — A magnified spikelet of Melica mutica, ex- 
panded, showing the glumes, two perfect (having stamens and 
pistils) flowers and an abortive one. 

Glyceria (Manna Grass). — A magnified spikelet of Glyceria nerva- 
la (Fowl-Meadow Grass) (1); a separate fiower with one joint of 
the rachis (2); and (3) the lower half of a lower palet, showing 
its form (rounded on the back, not keeled). 

Brizopyrum (Spike Grass). — A pistillate spikelet of Brizoijyrum spi- 
catum, enlarged, (It; a flower from the same (2); and a flower 
from a staminate spikelet (3). 

Poa (Meadow Grass, Spear Grass). — Panicle of Poa compressed 
(VVire Grass) reduced in size (1); a magnified spikelet (2) a sep- 
arate flower more magnified (3); a lower palet cut across and 
somewhat outspread (4). 

Eraguostis. — A spikelet of Eragrostis pilosa enlarged (1); the same 
from which the glumes and all of six lower flowers except the 
upper palet have fallen away (2); a magnified fiower open (3); 
the lower palet of the same outspread (4). 

Briza (Quaking Grass). — A spikelet of Briza media enlarged (1); a 
separate flower (2). 

Festuca (Fescue Grass). — A spikelet of Festuca elatior (Taller or 
Meadow Fescura) enlarged (1); a separate flower (2); lower part 
of a lower palet outspread (3). 

Bromus (Broom Grass). — A spikelet of Bromus secalimus or chess 
(1); and a separate flower enlarged (2). 




V"^'^ 



42. EXPLANATION OF PLATES. PLATE XL 



Uniola (Spike Grass).— A spikelet of Uniola Latifolia of about the nat- 
ural size (1); a flower enlarged (2); empty lower palet of the 
lowest (sterile) flower (3). 

Phkagmites. — A spikeletof Phragraites communis enlarged (1); one 
of the perfect (having both pistils and stamens) flowers, enlarged 
(2) and the lowest flower (3) which has stamens only. 

Arundinauia. — A spikeletof Arundinaria macrosperma (1); and a 
separate flower magnified (2). 

LeptuPvUS. — Portion of the spike of Lepturus paniculatus enlarged 
(1); and a flower magnified (2). 

LOLiL'M (Darnel). — Portion of the spike of Lolium temulentum (1) 
and a separate flower magnified (2). This is the only species of 
grass that is poisonous. 

Triticum (Wheat).— Portion of the spike of Triticum repens (Couch 
Quitch or Quick Grass) of about the natural size (1); a flower 
magnified (2). 

HORDEUM (Barley). — The three one-flowered spikelets from one joint 
of the spike of Hordenm jublatum (Squirrel-tail Grass) with their 
awn-like glumes, the lateral flowers abortive and neutral, the 
middle one alone perfect (1); this perfect flower (with an awn- 
like rudiment) open and enlarged (2). 

Elymus (Lime Grass, Wild Rye). — The two spikelets of one joint of 
the spike of Eiynuis Virginicus, about the natural size (1); the 
glumes and the flowers of one spikelet enlarged and displayed 
(2); and an open flower more magnified (3). 

Gymnostichum (Bottle-brush Grass*.— A spikelet of Gymnostichum 
Hj'strix (1); and an expanded flower magnified (2) 




i-yyu^jju^^ 



46. EXPLANATION OF PLATES. PLATE XII. 



AiRA (Hair-Grass). — Panicle of Aira flexuosa (Common Hair Grass) 
(1); a spikelet magnified, tlie parts displayed (2); and one of the 
flowers detached and open (3). 

Danthonia (Wild Oat-grass).— Panicle of Danthonia spicata (1); a 
spikelet enlarged (2); and a separate flower of the same (3). 

Trisetum, — A spikelet of Trisetum subspicatum, expanded and mag- 
nified (1); and a separate open flower (2). 

A VENA (Oat). — A spikelet of Avena stricta displaj^ed and magnified 
(1); and a separate flower (2). 

Arriienatherum (Oat-grass). -A spikelet of Arrhenatherum averace- 
iim displayed and magnified (1); the glumes (2); the flowers, the 
lower one staminate only, the next one perfect, and the third a 
rudiment. 

HOLCUS (Meadow Soft-grass). — A spikelet of Holcus lavatus (Velvet 
Grass) magnified (1); the same displayed to show the two flow- 
ers, the lower one perfect and awnless, the upper staminate and 
awned (2). 



<rahM. 




3' 



50. EXPLANATION OF PLATES. PLATE XIIL 



HiEROCHLOA (Holy Grass). — A spikelet of Hierochloa borealis (Va- 
nilla or Seneca Grass) enlarged (1); the same displayed, the flow- 
ers separate from the olumes, the two lateral ones with their sta- 
mens and no pistil; the middle or terminal one witli a pistil and 
only two stamens (2). 

Anthoxanthum (Sweet Vernal Grass). — The spikelet-like inflores- 
ence of Anthoxanthnm odoratum (1); a spikelet maj^nified (2); 
another with the parts displajed, the flowers raised from the 
glumes, the lateral ones neutral, each of a single and awned*palet, 
the middle one perfect (3). 

• 
Phalaris (Canary Grass). — A spikelet of Phalaris a rundinacea en- 
larged (1); the glumes and the perfect flower, with a hairy rudi- 
ment on each side of it (2). 

Milium (Millet Grass). — Portion of the panicle of Milium effusum 
(1); a closed spikelet magnified (2), and the same displayed (2). 

Amphicarpum. — A spikelet from the panicle of anipliicarpum Pur- 
shii magnified (1); the same with the parts displayed (2); and a 
radicle (fertile) spikelet enlarged (3). 

Paspalum. — Infloresence of Paspalum laeve (1); a closed spikelet 
enlarged (2); the same with the parts displayed (3). 

Panicum (Panic Grass;. — Part of a spike of Panicum (Digitaria) 
sanguinale (Common Crab or Finger Grass) (1); one of its spike- 
lets enlarged (2); the same with the parts displayed (3); in this 
the lower flower is neutral and of a single palet. A spikelet of 
Panicum Capillare (Old-witch Grass) magnified (4); andthesame 
displayed (5); the lower flower a single palet. A spikelet of 
Panicum clandestinum magnified (6); and the same displayed (7) 
the lower neutral of two palets. A spikelet of Panicum virgatum 
magnified (8i; the same displayed (9); the lower palets of two 
flowers and staminate. 

Set aria (Bristly Fox-tail Grass). — A magnified spikelet of Setaria 
glauca (Foxtail) with tlie accompanying cluster of bristles (1); 
the spikelet displayed, showing the neutral lower flower of two 
palets and the perfect flower (2). 



"I I' lie I' n I.) 



P 
-■fva 



s se"^ 



JabXOJ 




Selmiu 



7 L\) 

J anicuTTi 



•/^.,..^..,. , 



54. EXPLANATION OF PLATKS. PLATE XIV. 



Cenciikus (Hedgehog or Bur Grass). — Involiiicre (a whorl or set of 
little leaves called bracts under and around certain flowers) of 
Cenchrus tribuloides in flower enlarged (1); longtitudinal section 
of the same (2); a spikelet displayed (3); the stigmas should be- 
long to the right-hand flower; the left-hand or lower flower is 
only staniinate. 

Tkipsacum (Gama Grass, Sesame Grass). — Piece of the spike of the 
natural size, pistillate below, staniinate above (1); a longitudinal 
section of one of the pistillate spikelets (2); a pistillate spikelet 
with its parts displayed (3); a staniinate (two-flowered) spikelet 
with its parts displaj'ed (4). 

Erianthus (Woolly Beard-grass). — Pari of the hairy infloresence 
with two spikelets of Erianthus alopecnroides enlarged (1); one of 
the spikelets displayed (2). 

Andropogon (Beard Grass). — Small portion of the spike of Andro- 
pogon furcatus enlarged, with one fertile and awned spikelet, and 
one staniinate and awnless spikelet (1); the fertile spikelet (2); 
and the staminate (3) displayed. 

Sorghum (Broom Corn). — A fertile spikelet of Sorghum nutans (In-' 
dian Grass Wood Grass) enlarged, with a sterile pedicel (having 
no flowers on the flower stem) on each side (1); the spikelet dis- 
played (2). 



•fab. XIV 







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